January 15, 1937 - June 30, 2020
Lorne was born on January 15th, 1937 in Sardis, B.C. and passed away on June 30th, 2020 at his residence in Vernon, B.C. at the age of 83 years, after a very brief battle with cancer.
Lorne will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen; one daughter, Kathie (Vaughn) Peoples; one daughter-in-law, Tanis Sutherland (James Michalchuk); four grandchildren, Jordan, Nathan (Lacey) and Liam Peoples and Savannah Siemens; two great-granddaughters, Willow and Wren Peoples; one sister, Valerie Siemens (Paul Harris); one brother, Brock Siemens; one brother-in-law, Wayne Nelson; one sister-in-law, Patti Siemens; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his only son, Scott and one sister, Laura Davis.
Lorne spent his formative years in Quesnel, B.C. where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He earned his pilots licence at the age of 16 and upon graduation from High School in June, 1955 he moved with the family to California. A few months later he joined the American Airforce and spent two of his four years with them in Barcelona, Spain. In 1960 he was married and had two beautiful children - Kathie and Scott. They moved back to Canada in 1963.
Lorne wore many hats during his working years. He was a farmer in Fort St. John, owner of Super Shoes, a land developer involved in the creation of Stepping Stones Estates and an antique importer auctioneer with Bob Dodds in Antique Imports.
Lorne met Karen Nelson in 1975 and they were married in 1979. A change in lifestyle began in 1983 when they rode their 10 speed bikes from Vernon to Calgary. He followed this up with two Kelowna triathlons and several marathons in the ensuing years. 1988 was a very special year. Lorne was 51 years old and ran a sub three hour Boston Marathon. He also received an award for the fastest 5K for a 50-54 year old in Canada. In his 60's he won several medals at the Canadian Masters Games in Winnipeg.
Lorne was the best Dad ever. He bought a lot on Okanagan Lake that became home base for "fun central" where there was no end to summer days filled with boating, water skiing and camping. Evenings at the lake were marvellous times with Lorne playing the guitar and everyone singing around the campfire. He took Kathie and Scott to Tillicum to learn to ski and they would enjoy many ski trips with friends on spring breaks. He coached Scott's hockey team for many years and also was a ski instructor for one year. Lorne had a unique gift of separating wheat from chaff and gave invaluable advice on both business and life as well as being an amazing cook. Lorne was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and he will be sorely missed by everyone.
In respecting Lorne's wishes, he was cremated. Once the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, there will be a gathering to celebrate Lorne's life. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Lorne to the charity of their choice.
Cremation arrangements were made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.,
5605 - 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187